MORRIS COUNTY — Troop 8 in Chatham spent the morning cleaning up Main Street in Chatham on Saturday, September 26. Another twelve boys from our troop completed their PADI open water SCUBA certifications through Captain Mike’s Diving Services in City Island, NY. After they finished their open water dives on Sunday, September 27, these 12 Scouts also performed a Service Project, cleaning up litter on the very beach they dove from on City Island, NY.

The SCUBA diving was a big hit with the Scouts, and they left the place a little better before leaving. Big thanks to Captain Mikes Diving.

Troop 8 is also having a Car Wash fundraiser on the next two Saturday, October 3, and Saturday, October 10. It will be held at the Chatham United Methodist Church, 460 Main Stret Chatham from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

MORRIS COUNTY — Taxpayers will save an estimated $2.8 million under a refinancing plan announce by the Morris County Board of Freeholders this week that involves multiple bonds issued through the Morris County Improvement Authority.

The $2.8 million savings will be realized over the life of various bonds issued within the past ten years for multiple county and local projects. The refinancing is a prudent step undertaken to secure lower financing rates – similar to taxpayers refinancing a home mortgage.

Morris County freeholders and administrators have worked to maintain fiscal responsibility and continue the county’s coveted “AAA” credit rating, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The “AAA” rating is the highest possible credit rating assigned by financial rating agencies, and it enables the county and its 39 municipalities to secure the most cost-effective financing when bonding becomes necessary for capital improvements.

“This freeholder board has not only maintained the county’s triple AAA rating, but we have also strengthened it even in the current pandemic,” said Freeholder John Krickus. “As Standard & Poors commented in its Morris County rating report: ‘We view positively that the county started a (COVID-19) task force looking at longer-term economic and financial impact of the pandemic on the county’s finances.’ “

Freeholder Krickus was referencing a task force formed as part of an aggressive response undertaken by Morris County in early spring to keep the community safe from the virus and deal with emerging issues as the pandemic continues.

“Morris County has maintained a triple AAA rating, reduced debt, streamlined operations, frozen taxes, and balanced the budget without borrowing,” said Freeholder Krickus. “In contrast, the State of New Jersey has one of the lowest credit ratings in the country, continues to increase spending, increased numerous taxes and fees, and utilized $4 Billion in debt to balance an operating budget.”

Since the freeholders established the Morris County Improvement Authority in 2002, the agency has provided towns, school districts, and the county itself with innovative and cost-effective methods of funding public projects while saving tax dollars. Through the authority, towns have been able to borrow under the umbrella of Morris County’s “AAA” bond rating to finance local projects, such as purchasing equipment and vehicles or constructing local facilities, at lower costs thereby reducing the property tax burden on their residents.

MORRIS COUNTY — Bhavana, Mickey, Tamanna, Armaan Chopra, and Booton Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Bock held a private fundraising event for Senator Anthony Bucco and Assemblywomen Aura Dunn at their home in Rockaway.

Attending the event was Boonton Alderman Joseph Bock, Jr., Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Ali, Former Somerset County Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District Candidate Rosemary Becchi, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick, and South Asian Republic Coalition Hermant Bhatt as well as many friends, family, and supporters.

The following individuals were major sponsors of the event:

• Raj Uppal and Divya Singh of CLS Limo Worldwide
• Joseph DeSimone
• Don Sauders & Ruby Khalouf of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Cappelli
• Vic & Natasha Soni
• Jim & Julie Vogel
• Anthony & Joanne DePalma
• Dr. Surender Malhotra
• Jas Bindra

Bucco - Dunn Fundraiser

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MORRIS COUNTY — This two-year-old American Bulldog/Pit mix is an absolute love and will be your favorite dog ever! We are so excited that Mac has successfully completed extensive, professional training and is ready for his forever home!

Mac loves to cuddle, give kisses, and go for walks. He’s a total mush just like his name! He does have a prey drive and his owner will need to be aware while walking him.

Mac is good with other large dogs but would do best in a home without any other pets or children. He is potty-trained and walks well in a harness. He also knows “sit” and “come!” Mac is very eager to please.

Mac is also happy to help you finish your meals and loves snacks. What can we say, his name is on point! Mac’s ideal home is one that doesn’t have frequent visitors or parties–he wants you all to himself–but also one that loves to go for long walks who plays lots of fetches!

If you’re looking for a big snuggle bug to add to your home, apply to adopt Mac today!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County announced that work will begin Thursday, September 24, to replace the Intervale Road bridge in Parsippany, requiring it to be closed to traffic for about four months.

The tiny county-owned span, which crosses a tributary of Troy Brook, carries as many as 600 vehicles daily. Detour signs already have been installed to guide traffic on alternate routes of about a mile in both directions, employing Intervale Road and Lake Drive.
The $726,360 project, financed by Morris County, will include replacement of the existing structure and both roadway approaches. The original stone masonry for the arch bridge was built about 120 years ago, and then widened and reinforced in 1940.

Bordered by guide rails on both sides, the bridge is only six-feet long and 31-feet wide. It carries two lanes of traffic in eastbound and westbound directions. While a bridge evaluation report lists the bridge to be in overall “fair” condition, the original stone arch has been deteriorating. It will be more cost-effective to replace the bridge rather than continue costly maintenance.

Morris County is moving ahead on many bridge projects this year, taking advantage of lighter traffic during the COVID-19 crisis to get work done with less impact to the motoring public.